Talking Tribology with Joe and Jason

Talking Tribology with Joe and Jason

In this episode of Tribology Talks, PCS Instruments Ben is joined by Joeseph Shore and Jason Zhang from the Imperial College Tribology Group for the first part of their conversation. They begin by sharing how they first became interested in tribology, from early curiosity about mechanical engineering to research projects at Imperial College London. The discussion then moves into their current work, including EV drivetrain efficiency, high-speed bearing reliability, lubricant behaviour in inert gas environments, and the role of hydrogen and ammonia in future transport systems. Together, they explore the challenge of connecting benchtop testing with real-world applications, and why understanding the wider operating environment is so important in modern tribology.

Christopher Clayson: From Esters to Electrification

In Part 2 of Tribology Talks, PCS Instruments host Dr Kieran Nar continues the conversation with Christopher Clayson from Cargill, exploring how esters, electrification and sustainability are shaping the next generation of lubricant development. The episode looks at why esters are attracting growing interest across EV fluids, industrial oils and marine applications, from low traction and thermal stability to biodegradability, carbon footprint reduction and improved efficiency. Kieran and Christopher also discuss the pace of change across the industry, the importance of updated test methods for electrified systems, and the role of collaboration, digitalisation and interdisciplinary thinking in developing advanced lubricants for the future.

Christopher Clayson: How Do You End Up in Tribology?

Join us for our first podcast of 2026. In this episode, Kieran Nar sits down with Christopher Clayson, Application Scientist at Cargill, to talk through how a background in natural sciences turned into a career in tribology. From early placements to working in R&D, Chris shares how his role has developed and what it’s really like operating at the intersection of chemistry, physics and engineering. The conversation also touches on how the lubricants industry is shifting, from traditional engine oils to the demands of electric vehicles, and why collaboration across the field is becoming more important than ever. A candid look at how careers take shape, and how the industry is evolving alongside them.

Friction Chats with Tom Reddyhoff - Part 2

In this engaging second part of our conversation with Dr. Tom Reddyhoff on TribologyTalks, he dives deeper into his innovative research on compliant contacts and their surprising influence on taste perception. Discover how friction plays a crucial role in mouthfeel and the sensory experience of food and beverages. Tom shares insights from his work with PepsiCo on carbonation and astringency, explaining how tribological principles can enhance product development. We also explore cutting-edge monitoring techniques, including acoustic emission and machine learning, which are revolutionizing our understanding of tribological interactions. Join us as we uncover the fascinating intersection of tribology, food science, and technology in shaping consumer experiences. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion.

Friction Chats with Tom Reddyhoff - Part 1

In this episode of TribologyTalks, CEO Steven Horder sits down with Dr. Tom Reddyhoff, an experimental reader in tribology at Imperial College London. We delve into Tom's journey from mechanical engineering to the specialised field of tribology, exploring how his early experiences and the support from PCS Instruments shaped his research. Tom discusses his groundbreaking work on lubricant additives and laser-textured surfaces, revealing how these innovations can significantly reduce friction in various applications. We also explore the evolving landscape of tribology, particularly the shift towards electric vehicles and the implications for future research. Join us for this enlightening conversation as we uncover the intricacies of friction and its crucial role in engineering advancements.